CABINET MEETING, DECEMBER 15, 1950
All present except V. P.
GEN BRADLEY
Briefed Cabinet on Korean War.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Steelman to describe railroad strike situation.
STEELMAN
There is no indication of compliance with court orders restraining strikers. Union leaders are making no effort to get men back to work.
MCGRATH
Justice is taking steps to cite unions for contempt in areas affected. Suggested that Army take over struck terminals.
ACHESON
U. N. is to set up conferences looking toward a cease fire order in Korea. Chinese say they will go along if we pull out of Korea.
THE PRESIDENT
We will not agree to that proposal. Plans are going forward for stepping up Defense of Western Europe. Will pick an American officer (Eisenhower) to be supreme commander in Western Europe. Egyptians are demanding that British pull troops out of Egypt in spite of Treaty which provides that British stay in Egypt until 1946 (?).
MARSHALL
Eisenhower feels that morale and other factors in Western Europe make his job in Western Europe a very difficult - however Eisenhower will take the job and do all in his power to bolster morale and support in Western Europe. In connection with present emergency we must be careful not to move to fast in inducting civilians as we do not have facilities or equipment to furnish men in a full mobilization effort.
P.M.G.
When Washington and St. Louis went out on strike it really strangled Parcel Post operation - we do not have cars to load - We have no place to store mail which is especially serious because of Xmas Holidays. Will use planes and trucks to move mail now backed up in railroad yards.
11:55